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Oil Heating Technicians benefit from CPS Competition
30th November 2008
For some time, oil equipment manufacturers who are members of OFTEC have operated a voucher scheme to assist Registered Technicians with the costs of registration.
Typically, the vouchers have a nominal value of up to £200 and are offered upon successful completion of an OFTEC designed training programme and historically, the vouchers have only been redeemable against OFTEC registration.
However, the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors APHC, which operates its own Competent Persons' Scheme (CPS) in competition to OFTEC, has announced that it will honour all OFTEC discount vouchers against the costs of joining the APHC Competent Persons' Scheme.
Mike Phoenix, Certification Manager for APHC's CPS, commented, "Good oil installers realise that they need to join a Competent Persons Scheme but many are not aware that there is now more than one option for them.
"We hope that by honouring these manufacturers' vouchers, more companies will be able to benefit from the most comprehensive scheme on the market, saving time and money, as well as working to the same standards.
"Some oil installers believe they must be OFTEC approved but in fact the APHC Competent Persons Scheme adopts the same standards - and more, covering the entire work area of the installer. We don't want installers to be led just by special offers."
APHC's Competent Persons Scheme covers all systems (except gas) for a set fee of approximately £25 per month, for up to five qualified technicians. The scope of APHC registration can extend to include:
- Hot water systems
- Heating systems including solar
- Oil fired central heating systems - vapourising and pressure jet
- Solid fuel - compatible with HETAS scheme
- Unvented hot water
- Plumbing systems, bathrooms/sanitation
- Part P Electrics
A spokesperson for the APHC claimed that by offering a wider range of training courses than OFTEC, many plumbing and heating companies undertaking oil related work, now only need be a member of one Scheme.